Washington’s Off-Road Defense

In the state of Washington, there is a special exception to DUI prosecution that allows drivers to get off of the road if they believe they are too intoxicated to operate their vehicle. Known as a safely off the roadway defense, this argument can prove to be advantageous for some drivers facing DUI charges. When a driver recognizes that he or she is too drunk to safely handle a motor vehicle, if they choose to pull off the roadway before causing harm, they may not be found guilty of DUI.

If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, despite having exited the roadway prior to any encounter with law enforcement, it is important that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney. For more information regarding your rights as a defendant, contact the Seattle DUI defense lawyers of the Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn Law Firm at 866-822-1230 today.

Getting Off of the Road

While it is advisable to stay away from driving a vehicle at any level of intoxication, confident drivers may initially decide that they feel safe to drive home. However, once on the road, these individuals may realize that they are more severely impaired than they had thought previously.

The law allows these individuals to pull over and stop driving without the risk of DUI. However, there are some important points to the law:

The individual cannot remain in physical control of the vehicle

The individual cannot pull over after being observed and pursued in the act of driving by a law enforcement officers

The individual must be pulled off of the roadway safely

Contact Us

If you have been arrested for DUI, it is important that you work with a passionately committed legal representative. Contact the Seattle DUI defense attorneys of the Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn Law Firm by calling 866-822-1230 today.

Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn

Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn is known throughout Washington and the nation for representing all of its clients with commitment, creativity and compassion. We recognize how devastating a DUI charge can be, particularly when our clients learn how incredibly tough Washington's DUI laws have become, even for a first-time offender.

If you need a DUI defense attorney in Seattle, Bellevue, or King County, contact us today to find out why respect for our clients, a passion for justice, and our commitment to winning have earned each of us the highest honor a member of the bar can receive from our colleagues – their referrals.